IFIA Joins the Bayh-Dole Coalition, Expanding Its Global Role in Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Intellectual Property
A New Milestone for IFIA: Joining the Bayh-Dole Coalition
Geneva, Switzerland | 30 May 2026
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is pleased to announce its membership in the Bayh-Dole Coalition.
This coalition is a leading U.S.-based organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technology transfer. Moreover, it focuses on intellectual property protection, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research outcomes.
This strategic membership strengthens IFIA’s engagement with key stakeholders in the global innovation ecosystem.
Furthermore, it connects IFIA with universities, research institutions, technology transfer organizations, policymakers, innovation networks, and intellectual property professionals.

A Strategic Step Toward Global Innovation Cooperation
The Bayh-Dole Coalition is widely recognized for promoting policies that support the transformation of scientific discoveries into real-world technologies, products, and societal benefits. Through its advocacy and educational initiatives, the Coalition contributes to strengthening innovation-driven economic development. Furthermore, it advances collaboration between academia, industry, inventors, and government institutions.
Moreover, the Coalition is known for organizing high-level programs and policy discussions. These include the Faces of American Innovation initiative and the American Innovator Awards. In addition, it holds Capitol Hill innovation briefings and technology transfer forums. These involve members of the United States Congress, leading universities, innovation leaders, and senior officials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
As a result, IFIA expands its international network and further reinforces its commitment to supporting inventors. It promotes intellectual property awareness, encourages technology commercialization, and strengthens global innovation partnerships.
Connecting the Full Innovation Lifecycle
The Bayh-Dole Coalition includes more than 300 organizational and individual members representing the full innovation lifecycle, including research institutions, universities, technology transfer offices, venture capital advocates, small business organizations, economic development entities, and innovation leaders.
In addition, through its membership, IFIA joins this extensive network of organizations working to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research and inventions.
Commenting on this development, Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA, stated:
“Innovation flourishes when inventors, universities, industries, and policymakers work together. Joining the Bayh-Dole Coalition represents an important step toward expanding IFIA’s international engagement and creating new opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and stronger support for inventors worldwide.”
Alireza Rastegar
President of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA)

Why the Bayh-Dole Coalition Matters
The Bayh-Dole Coalition is dedicated to protecting and advancing the principles of the Bayh-Dole Act, landmark U.S. legislation enacted in 1980 that enables universities, small businesses, and research institutions to retain ownership of inventions resulting from federally funded research.
Widely regarded as one of the most successful innovation policies in modern history, the Bayh-Dole framework has transformed scientific research into real-world technologies, products, companies, and societal benefits. The legislation has been credited with helping create a thriving innovation ecosystem that has:
• Contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy
• Supported over 6.5 million jobs
• Catalyzed the creation of more than 19,000 startup companies
• Generated over 580,000 invention disclosures
• Accelerated the development and commercialization of life-saving innovations, including breakthrough medical treatments, vaccines, advanced manufacturing technologies, and clean energy solutions
By joining the Bayh-Dole Coalition, IFIA aligns itself with a network committed to strengthening innovation ecosystems, promoting technology transfer, encouraging research commercialization, and maximizing the societal impact of inventions and intellectual property.